The SS was very selective of their members and decided based upon "Nazi Ideology." The Nazi Ideology defined a strong, central government under the "Führer," Hitler. They were against communism, and believed very strongly in creating the "Master Race." Hitler had created the SS to be a group of men that were superior in racial purity and ability than other Germans, essentially a model of the "Master Race." The master race was a branch of the Aryan race which is people of Northern European descent. SS officer candidates had to prove their German ancestry dating back to 1750 as well as proving that they had no Jewish ancestors.
One third of the SS candidates failed inspection and never became part of the group. The SS was the most feared para-military organization in history and they were extremely loyal to Hitler.
In order to be recruited, you had to be at least 5' 10", you could not have any defective teeth, and many more obscure requirements.
The SS was very selective of their members and decided based upon "Nazi Ideology." The Nazi Ideology defined a strong, central government under the "Führer," Hitler. They were against communism, and believed very strongly in creating the "Master Race." Hitler had created the SS to be a group of men that were superior in racial purity and ability than other Germans, essentially a model of the "Master Race." The master race was a branch of the Aryan race which is people of Northern European descent. SS officer candidates had to prove their German ancestry dating back to 1750 as well as proving that they had no Jewish ancestors.
One third of the SS candidates failed inspection and never became part of the group. The SS was the most feared para-military organization in history and they were extremely loyal to Hitler.
In order to be recruited, you had to be at least 5' 10", you could not have any defective teeth, and many more obscure requirements.